With her shiny green eyes, glossy coat and a fluffy paw reaching out of a pot, it’s hard to believe that Princess the cat was an unwanted pet.

But this adorable portrait of Princess, by photographer Gerry Slade, has helped to find her a new home after she was left at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield, Ramsbottom.

It is one of a collection of heart-melting images taken by Gerry of the unwanted animals at the sanctuary - that have directly helped to rehome a host of pets.

Gerry decided to start taking photos of the unwanted cats and dogs at Bleakholt after visiting there himself to find a rescue dog with his partner Nicola.

As a specialist animal photographer he knew just how to capture the personality of the animals in need of a home - and they have certainly done the trick - with new families found for a host of the pets he has now pictured.

Gerry said: “When I first visited Bleakholt I was staggered by the love and care shown to the animal guests by the staff and volunteers and I was moved by some of the very sad stories that came with some of the animals.

“As a specialist horse and pet photographer I felt I could help Bleakholt both with fundraising through my photography and also help to find new homes for some of the animals by producing gorgeous images that would catch people’s eye.”

His stunning portrait of Coco the Yorkshire terrier, sitting in a suitcase, helped to swiftly rehome the dog who had been brought into the sanctuary as a stray, after it was shared across social media.

Coco the Yorkshire Terrier was rehomed after this adorable photo by Gerry Slade (Image: Gerry Slade)

Gerry has been taking plenty more in the hope of helping to rehome more of the animals in need.

Gerry says: “It was a privilege to spend so much time at Bleakholt and meet so many of the animals.

“It was genuinely difficult to leave them there at the end of the day after playing with some of them to get the photos – I’d have a house full if I could!

“Some of them are just so affectionate in return for the slightest attention.

Alfie the shar-pei is six years old and is in need of an experienced owner (Image: Gerry Slade)

“I was genuinely surprised at the amount of love, affection and dedication shown by the staff to the animals in their care, it really was great to see and lovely to see the response of the animals.”

Gerry has also been taking portraits of the horses, pigs and goats at the sanctuary. They do not need new homes, but the charity is always in need of sponsors to help support them in their lives at the sanctuary.

Donkeys at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary (Image: Gerry Slade)

He is now working with the charity’s director Bob Carter to look at other ways they could use the images - including the possibility of Bleakholt greetings cars and calendars.

Bob says: “On behalf of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary we want to say how grateful we are for receiving Gerry’s invaluable, professional support in capturing the spirit of our animal friends in a way that shows true empathy and understanding that also reflects our needs to care for those who have no one.”

Alan the cat needs a home, people are put off by his crinkled ear but he's very quiet and loves human company (Image: Gerry Slade)

If you can help rehome a pet, get in touch with Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary on 01706 822577